Experience the Beauty of Nature's Mountains and Rivers During the May Day Holiday

I. Trip Highlights - Snow Mountain Feast: Observe Yaomei Peak (6,250m), Three Peaks (5,355m) and other snow-capped mountains up close; at sunrise, the golden sunlight on the mountains resembles a golden dragon. - Hiking Paradise: Classic routes like Changping Valley's Muluozi Campsite and Shuangqiao Valley's Red Sequoia Forest, suitable for both beginners and advanced hikers. - Stargazing Camping: Camp on alpine meadows where the Milky Way frames snow-capped mountains at night, 100% photo-worthy. - Spring Snow Spectacle: Even in May, you can still see snow-covered primeval forests and streams, creating the stunning view of "snow-capped peaks with spring flowers." --- II. Route Planning (3 Days 2 Nights Light Hiking) Day 1: Shuangqiao Valley Tour + Changping Valley Exploration - Morning: Depart from Chengdu → Four Sisters Mountain Town (3.5-hour drive, navigate to "Rilong Town"). - Afternoon: Shuangqiao Valley tour (entrance ticket + sightseeing bus ¥150), key attractions: - Red Sequoia Forest: Snow mountain reflections in the lake, dead trees in snow like an oil painting. - Potala Peak: Panoramic view of 7 peaks, crystal-clear Sigulatso Lake. - Evening: Check in at Changping Valley entrance guesthouse (recommend cliff rooms with views of Yaomei Peak from the window). Day 2: In-depth Hiking in Changping Valley (Camping at Muluozi Campsite) - Route: Lama Temple → Dead Tree Beach → Muluozi (14.5km, 5-6 hours), altitude 3,250-3,665m. - Dead Tree Beach: Thousand-year-old dead fir forest surrounded by streams, like a secret realm. - Muluozi Campsite: Alpine meadow + snow mountain backdrop, perfect for evening photos of "snow mountains + meadows + streams." - Accommodation: Tents at Muluozi Campsite (advance booking required, includes hot water and heating equipment). Day 3: Haizi Valley Horseback Riding and Camping (Optional for Advanced Travelers) - Route: Guozhuang Ping → Flower Lake → Big Lake (horseback to Big Lake, 3km hiking), altitude 3,500-4,700m. - Guozhuang Ping: Overlook all four peaks, rolling sea of clouds at sunrise. - Night: Tent camping for stargazing, clear view of the Milky Way (tripod needed). - Return: Horseback ride back to the valley entrance the next day, drive back to Chengdu. --- III. Accommodation Recommendations (Avoiding Overpriced Traps) 1. Changping Valley Entrance Cliff Guesthouses - Yunman Mountain Residence: Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows facing Yaomei Peak, floor heating + warm stove, includes oxygen cylinder and trekking pole rental (about ¥400/night). - Kongshan Guesthouse: Rooms facing snow mountains, Tibetan carpets + handmade tapestries, ¥150 per person. 2. Muluozi Campsite - Herder's Tents: ¥100-150/person, provides hot water and simple breakfast, bring your own sleeping bag (altitude 3,665m). 3. Haizi Valley Camping - Big Lake Campsite: Registration required at outdoor center, bring your own tent + sleeping bag (-10°C rating), ¥50/person site fee. --- IV. Food Guide (Tibetan Flavors) - Must-Try List: - Yak Meat Hot Pot: "Snow Mountain Yak Hot Pot" in Rilong Town, tender meat, about ¥80 per person. - Butter Tea + Tsampa: Experience in Tibetan family homes, ¥10/bowl, warms stomach and helps with altitude sickness. - Whole Roasted Lamb: "Tibetan Home" at Changping Valley entrance, pre-order a whole lamb (about ¥1,200 each), served with highland barley wine. - Tips to Avoid Traps: - Be cautious of "wild mushroom soup pots" in scenic areas, risk of poisoning. - Avoid "expensive oxygen cylinders" at scenic area entrances; regular pharmacies in town sell them for ¥25/can. --- V. Photography Guide (90% Success Rate) - Sunrise Positions: - Cat's Nose Ridge Viewing Platform: Free panoramic view of four peaks at Shuangqiao Valley entrance. - Muluozi Campsite: Snow mountains appearing and disappearing in the morning mist, use telephoto lens to compress spatial sense. - Stargazing Photography: - Guozhuang Ping: Clearest Milky Way from 11:00 PM-2:00 AM, ISO 3200 + 15-second long exposure. - Color Combinations: - Spring: "Snow + rhododendrons"; Autumn: "Golden meadows + red sequoia forest"; Winter: "Ice + rime frost." --- VI. Practical Tips (Key Points to Avoid Pitfalls) 1. Transportation: - Chengdu → Four Sisters Mountain Town: Bus ¥120 (departs from Chadianzi Station at 6:20 AM), shared car ¥150/person. - Refuse black taxis! No public transportation within scenic areas; bring your own food and water for hiking. 2. Equipment: - Essential: Windbreaker, hiking boots, headlamp, sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses (prevent snow blindness). - Recommended: Trekking poles (prevent knee injury), waterproof pants for rainy season. 3. Altitude Sickness Prevention: - Take rhodiola rosea 3 days in advance; on arrival day, avoid bathing and strenuous exercise. - For mild altitude sickness, use oxygen (¥25/can outside scenic area); for severe cases, return to Chengdu immediately. 4. Ticket Reservations: - Shuangqiao Valley/Changping Valley tickets must be reserved 3 days in advance on "Aba Tourism Website," enter with ID card. --- VII. Budget Reference (¥800-1,200 per person) - Transportation: Chengdu round-trip bus ¥240 + shared car ¥150 = ¥390 - Accommodation: 2 nights guesthouse (¥400+¥150) = ¥550 - Food: About ¥300 for 3 days - Tickets: Shuangqiao Valley ¥150 + Changping Valley ¥90 = ¥240 - Others: Oxygen cylinder ¥50 + trekking pole rental ¥30 = ¥80 --- VIII. Best Travel Time - May-June: Spring snow hasn't melted, rhododendrons blooming, temperature 5-15°C. - September-October: Colorful forests, clear autumn weather, temperature 10-20°C. - Avoid: July-August rainy season (slippery paths), November-April heavy snow (mountain passes closed). --- Summary: Four Sisters Mountain is the "Oriental Alps," a paradise for hikers and a holy land for photographers. Avoid peak season crowds, choose less-traveled routes, measure the snow mountains and meadows with your footsteps, and capture the incomparable beauty of the "Queen of Sichuan Mountains" with your camera. If time permits, challenge yourself with a climb of the Second Peak (5,276m) to experience the charm of a technical snow mountain.